Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

"Lord Qingwu, please summon a larger clone!"

The little slug, looking both cute and fierce, asked Qingwu for help.

"!!"

Several black lines appeared on Qingwu's forehead. Only then did he suddenly remember that the slugs of the Wet Bone Forest and the snakes of the Dragon Earth Cave were natural enemies!

This hostility may be etched into their blood and inherited memories; attacking upon meeting is almost instinctive!

He was so focused on summoning the slug to heal Shisui that he completely forgot about this.

"Stop, slug, Tianxin is also my contracted partner."

Qingwu let out a low shout.

Upon hearing Qingwu's words, the little slug stopped its attack.

But her body remained slightly tense, staring warily at Tianxin Shenji, her soft voice carrying obvious displeasure and hostility:

"Lord Qingwu, last time in Dragon Cave, you actually made a contract with such a cold and cunning creature? They are the most untrustworthy!"

In Longdi Cave, Qingwu once used a slug to aid in battle, but later, when negotiating with the White Snake Immortal, he took the slug back.

During this time, Princess Tianxin stayed by her side, and Qingwu did not participate in any major battles, so the slug remained unaware of the situation.

Despite the slug's hostility and verbal attacks, Princess Tianxin remained expressionless, simply closing her eyes again as if she hadn't been the one attacked just moments before.

"Lord Qingwu, there's no need to worry. The slugs of the Wet Bone Forest and the snakes of the Dragon Earth Cave are naturally incompatible, and it's common for them to fight when they meet."

"Hmph!" the little slug roared, "I'm going to corrode you to death with acid!"

Princess Tianxin ignored the little slug's provocation and turned her face to Qingwu:

"Since Lord Qingwu needs the healing power of the slug, and my presence here might cause unnecessary conflict and affect the treatment... then I should return to Ryuchi Cave for the time being."

Qingwu was a little embarrassed, "Tianxin, you..."

"My lord, there is no need to apologize. It's just right. I've been away for some time now. I'll go back to see my sisters and also consolidate my insights from this trip."

After saying that, she nodded slightly to Qingwu, and then with a "pop," she turned into a wisp of white smoke, actually releasing the spiritual connection on her own initiative.

Throughout the entire process, Princess Tianxin was decisive and efficient, without any hesitation or complaints.

But Qingwu could sense that beneath Tianxin Shenji's calm exterior, there might also be a hint of pride belonging to the immortals of Longdi Cave.

She didn't want to stoop to the level of a slug split, nor did she want to put Qingwu in a difficult position, so she chose the most dignified way to leave.

"You."

Qingwu glared at the little slug.

"Hmph, she's smart to know her place!"

The little slug swayed its soft body as if it had won a battle.

Seeing Qingwu's unfriendly expression, the little slug timidly said:

"Lord Qingwu, please don't blame me. You must be careful in the future. The snakes of Longdi Cave are best at bewitching people and plotting. Don't be fooled by them!"

"Alright, Slug, let's not talk about that now." Qingwu steered the conversation back to the main topic, pointing to Shisui on the bed, "Healing, restoring chakra!"

"Yes!" The little slug sprang to the ground and landed on Shisui's chest, its soft green light continuously seeping into Shisui's body.

Shisui's face visibly regained color, and his breathing became long and steady.

After everything was settled, the sky outside the window was already bright.

"Thank you for your hard work, slug."

Qingwu greeted them and came to the outside of the wooden house.

Looking at the pale dawn on the horizon, I let out a long sigh. So much had happened that night.

"By the way, Lord Qingwu."

The little slug's voice came from inside the window. She seemed to remember something, hesitated for a moment, and then said:

"Regarding that person from Ryuchi Cave... although I don't like her, since Lord Qingwu has signed a contract with her, I presume you have your reasons,"

"But... Shikkotsu Forest and Ryuchi Cave have existed since... well, never mind that. Anyway, if we summon spirits at the same time next time, it might cause a fight."

"This is an instinct etched deep in our blood, and it is difficult to reconcile. Please, Lord Qingwu, take note."

It was a subtle reminder to Qingwu that it would be best not to communicate with both the slug and the snake from Dragon Cave at the same time in the future, otherwise they would fight and put Qingwu in a difficult position.

"I understand, thank you for reminding me." Qingwu nodded.

This is a problem that can be big or small. Both Princess Tianxin and the slug are powerful allies, but their innate antagonism prevents them from fighting side by side, which is a bit of a pity.

However, most of the time, with his abundant magic and troops, there is no need for them to be present at the same time.

The little slug nodded to Qingwu, moved to a different spot, and continued to lie on Zhishui to treat him.

Qingwu smiled gently. The slug's reminder showed that... gentleness was still etched into its bones.

The cabin returned to silence, with the occasional chirping of birds echoing through the forest.

Qingwu walked to the ancient tree and recalled everything that had happened that night.

Mei Mizukage... Danzo... Shisui... Kakashi... The Third Hokage... Various clans... Princess Tashin...

All of this flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern.

In just one night, the landscape of Konoha had been completely transformed.

With Danzo dead and Root effectively defunct, the Uchiha clan's hidden dangers remain, and the rift between himself and the higher-ups is deepening...

"The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease..."

Qingwu muttered to herself, shook her head, and temporarily suppressed her chaotic thoughts.

The most urgent task is to enhance our own strength! Only with sufficient power can we cope with any changes that may occur in the future.

Looking up at the ancient tree reaching for the sky, Qingwu stretched out his hand, his thoughts sinking into the system.

[Confirm to start upgrading the Ancient Tree of Life?]

……

Chapter 264 Ancient Tree Upgrade

[Confirm to start upgrading the Ancient Tree of Life?]

The upgrade process is irreversible and is estimated to take 90 days.

Qingwu took a deep breath and looked at the majestic ancient tree of life before him. This moment had finally arrived.

Upgrade confirmed!

As his thoughts settled, a system notification sounded deep within his mind:

[Upgrade requirements for the Ancient Tree of Life are being checked...]

Lord Level Requirement: Achieved

[Natural Energy Reserves: Achieved]

[Gold Coin Reserves: Achieved]

[Upgrade requirements met!]

[Start Upgrade: Ancient Tree of Life (Mature Stage) → Ancient Tree of Life (Ancient Stage)]

Om-! ! !

In an instant, starting from the ground beneath his feet and centered on the towering ancient tree, an indescribable vast aura seemed to awaken and erupt with a roar!

The entire territory—no, this time it seems to be the entire Forest of Death, and even the outer edges of Konoha Village—experienced energy fluctuations.

The already abundant natural energy in the air, as if summoned by some supreme authority, instantly became boiling and viscous.

Then they surged wildly toward the Ancient Tree of Life in the center of the territory.

Qingwu let out a muffled groan.

I could clearly feel the surging natural energy within my body, like a flood bursting forth uncontrollably.

Following the deep connection with the ancient tree, they frantically rushed into the enormous object undergoing transformation before their eyes!

Emerald green energy points converged into trickles of water, swirling and whistling as they flowed into the ancient tree's massive root system and trunk.

In just a few breaths, half of the natural energy stored in his body was consumed!

Moreover, the losses are ongoing and steady.

However, the speed has slowed down.

Based on previous experience, this 90-day process will continuously consume natural energy to maintain the ancient tree's upgrade needs.

In other words, he is not suited to fight with others right now.

Of course, with the large number of troops under his command, probably no one in the ninja world can do anything to him now.

Qingwu looked at the ancient tree.

At this moment, the ancient tree of life itself also began to undergo astonishing changes visible to the naked eye.

First, there's the change in size; the tree has grown taller, the bark is darker, the trunk is thicker and more ancient-looking, and the canopy extends wildly in all directions, becoming denser and more substantial.

Each leaf seemed to be carved from jade, shimmering with a crystal-clear emerald luster and exuding a rich life force.

The natural energy surrounding the ancient tree had become so concentrated that it had turned into a pale green mist, flowing like liquid.

Just breathing in the air here made one feel completely refreshed, and Qingwu couldn't help but let out a soft groan of comfort.

The other buildings within the territory glowed faintly under the influence of this energy tide, as if they too had received some kind of nourishment and resonance.

The Ancient Tree of Life (Prehistoric Era) is being upgraded!

[Remaining time: 89 days, 23 hours, and 59 minutes...]

Qingwu's heart stirred. Perhaps, after the Ancient Tree of Life is upgraded this time, some changes will also occur in the other military camps?

Feeling the slow, continuous loss of natural energy within his body, and witnessing the dramatic changes around him, he was filled with exhilaration.

"Three months...that's fine, I also need time to process what I've gained recently."